April 12, 2012
Impact of Revaluation
Every five years, towns are mandated by the state to conduct a complete revaluation of all properties within the municipality. The purpose is to ensure that the property tax burden is shifted amongst properties in a manner reflective of current market prices. Normally, property values rise leading to a higher grand list and a decrease in the mill rate.
This revaluation is different though. Like all other towns, Colchester has seen our property values decline due to the lagging economy. The result is an increase in the mill rate even before taking into account budgetary changes. It’s very important though that everyone realize that just because the mill rate is going up, your taxes may not. Some properties will see an increase in taxes, some a decrease, and some will stay roughly the same.
Residents should take a moment to see what the implications of revaluation means to them in terms of taxes. We have provided a tool in the budget section of the town website for citizens to see their approximate change in taxes. You can also do the calculation yourself by comparing the current mill rate and your old assessment against the proposed mill rate and your new assessment. If you are unable to do this yourself, please feel free to contact the tax collector or tax assessor’s office and they would be happy to assist you.
Town Meeting
Now that all of the boards have completed their budget process, the focus shifts to the voters who will have the ultimate say. On Wednesday, 4/25 at 7PM in Town Hall, we will have two town meetings. The first meeting is the annual budget meeting where taxpayers will have the opportunity to vote to send the town and school budgets to a May 8th referendum.
The second town meeting is on the proposed items for bonding. The proposed open space/farmland acquisition, road improvements, and fire apparatus have all been considered and moved forward by the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen. Just as with the budget, taxpayers will again have the opportunity to decide if these items should be included in the May 8th referendum.
A lot of work goes into the creation of these budgets and proposals. The staff and the boards do the best they can to put together a financial package representative of the will of the community. As always, I urge everyone to stay involved in the discussion, participate in the process, and come out to vote. Additionally, always feel free to contact an elected official with a question or concern. Sometimes information is misinterpreted or erroneous claims are made. If something doesn’t sound right, please ask and we’ll be happy to answer your question.
This is your community and your elected officials try their hardest to put together a budget accepted by the town. In the end though, it is your decision and I hope you will all find time to vote on May 8th.
- Gregg Schuster
First Selectman
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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